Abyss Pool

Abyss Pool is one of Yellowstone National Park’s most mesmerizing geothermal features, located in the West Thumb Geyser Basin along the scenic shores of Yellowstone Lake. Its name perfectly captures its appearance—an almost unfathomable, deep blue spring that seems to plunge into the Earth’s core. 

In reality, Abyss Pool is one of the deepest hot springs in Yellowstone, descending an impressive 53 feet (16 meters) straight down. The crystal-clear water allows visitors to see far into its depths, giving the illusion of an endless chasm glowing in shades of blue and emerald.

Abyss Pool

Abyss Pool

Quick Reference: Abyss Pool

Feature	Details
Location	West Thumb Geyser Basin, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
Type	Hot Spring
Depth	Approximately 53 feet (16 meters) – one of the deepest in Yellowstone
Water Temperature	Around 160°F–180°F (71°C–82°C)
Color	Deep blue center with pale mineral edges
Notable Activity	Erupted briefly from 1991 to 1993, sending water up to 100 feet high
Accessibility	Easily accessible via boardwalk trail in the West Thumb Geyser Basin
Best Time to Visit	Early morning or late afternoon for steam and reflection photography
Nearby Features	Fishing Cone, Lakeshore Geyser, and Black Pool
Safety Tip	Stay on boardwalks and do not throw objects into the pool — even small items can disrupt its delicate geothermal balance

The stunning color of Abyss Pool comes from the clarity and heat of its water, which averages between 160°F and 180°F (71°C–82°C). The lack of thermophilic bacteria—organisms that typically thrive in slightly cooler springs—keeps the water an intense blue. Light penetrates deep into the pool, scattering shorter blue wavelengths back to the surface, creating the surreal hue that gives the feature its name. Around the edges, delicate mineral deposits form a pale border, contrasting beautifully with the dark, pure water in the center.

Though it now rests in quiet elegance, Abyss Pool once demonstrated dramatic power. On December 26, 1991, it unexpectedly erupted for the first time in recorded history, sending boiling water up to 100 feet (30 meters) into the air. This rare activity continued sporadically through the early 1990s, astonishing scientists and visitors alike. Experts believe these eruptions were caused by shifts in the underground geothermal plumbing—pressure changes that briefly transformed the tranquil pool into a small geyser. By 1993, the eruptions had ceased, and the pool returned to its calm, reflective state.

Set within the West Thumb Geyser Basin, Abyss Pool is surrounded by other fascinating thermal features, including geysers, fumaroles, and smaller springs that release plumes of steam against the backdrop of Yellowstone Lake. The basin’s boardwalk trail provides safe and easy access to the pool, allowing visitors to experience its beauty without disturbing the fragile geothermal crust. In the early morning, the combination of rising steam, sunlight, and still waters creates a truly ethereal scene that is among the park’s most photogenic moments.

For those exploring Yellowstone’s thermal wonders, Abyss Pool is a must-see. It captures the park’s dual essence of peaceful beauty and raw geothermal intensity, leaving an unforgettable impression of how vibrant and alive the Earth truly is beneath its crust.